Mike Quigley

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, the Constitution makes clear: Only Congress can declare war. While no one can dispute that we are at war, Congress has never been asked to make this declaration. I disagree with the Congressman from Ohio's policy position; to leave Afghanistan at this moment would undermine our national security and imperil our troops. However, the War Powers Resolution is an important check on unfettered executive authority. It is worth remembering the period in our Nation's history during which this act of Congress was passed. In 1973, during the height of the Vietnam War and following the Gulf of Tonkin, Congress overrode a Presidential veto to pass this measure into law. It did so because it was concerned with the erosion of congressional authority to decide when the United States should become involved in a war. While Vietnam was a very different war, the frustration felt by the American public and Members of Congress at that point in time is similar to that of today. In overriding a presidential veto and passing the War Powers Resolution, Congress was reclaiming a critical responsibility the Founding Fathers had granted to it: that such a declaration would be a product of robust discourse, one in which our leaders would identify the nature of the threat posed by our enemy, define the objective of the mission before us, and fully weigh the prudence of sending our troops into harm's way.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Elmwood Park resident Gene Schultz on his sterling driver- safety record and subsequent induction into the United Parcel Service Circle of Honor. Gene's induction commemorates 25 accident-free years as a UPS delivery driver. Gene's accomplishment is especially impressive when we consider that his job requires him to be behind the wheel of a truck for many hours each week. Gene grew up as the 14th of 15 children in Chicago's Galewood neighborhood near Harlem and Grand Avenues. He has lived with his wife Theresa in Elmwood Park for the last 11 years. Mr. Schultz serves as a model for responsible driving in the city of Chicago and deserves commendation for his consistent safety record. It is with great pride that I recognize Gene Schultz for his contribution to the safety of Chicago's roadways.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the anniversary of an important milestone in our shared cultural history. December 17, 2009 marked the 20th anniversary of the debut episode of ``The Simpsons.'' The Fox Broadcasting Company, which airs the show, spent the entirety of 2009 commemorating this milestone, and ended the celebration on January 10, 2010 with an hour-long special. In 1989, Fox took a chance and gave ``The Simpsons'' creator Matt Groening an opportunity to produce a half-hour primetime animated show for the network. Since then, the program has become world renowned. It has been honored with 25 Primetime Emmy awards, a Peabody award, and was named the 20th century's best television series by Time Magazine. It holds the distinction of being the longest running American animated program, the longest running American sitcom, and the longest running American primetime television program. In 2007, a feature- length film entitled ``The Simpsons Movie'' was released to worldwide box office success. While the show is renowned for its cultural references, it has achieved a cultural iconic status in its own right. A testament to this is the addition of ``Doh,'' a frequently used exclamation of the show's lead character Homer Simpson, to the Oxford English Dictionary in 2001. Madam Speaker, I congratulate ``The Simpsons'' on its milestone, and I thank creators Matt Groening, James L. Brooks and Al Jean for the many years of laughs and the many more to come.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman Charles Wilson, who passed away on February 10th, 2010. Representative Wilson was a great statesman who served the 2nd Congressional District in Texas from 1972-1996. Charles was born in a small town in Texas, where he developed a deep sense of pride as a Texan and a strong dedication to the American way. As a young man he served in the United States Navy where he rose through the ranks and was given the privilege to serve as part of a Soviet Union nuclear intelligence unit based out of the Pentagon. While serving in the military, 27-year-old Charles was able to effectively run for and win the office of State Representative in his native Texas. This began a 12-year political career in Texas that earned him the nickname ``liberal from Lufkin''. In 1972, Wilson was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he became most recognized for his role in the dismantling of the communist Soviet Union's occupation of Afghanistan. He deeply believed in the sovereignty of the Afghani people and was able to use his influence on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense to help provide the funding for their liberation. Although the media has primarily focused on his accomplishments abroad, Charles always maintained Lufkin, Texas as one of his number one priorities. Some of his greatest domestic accomplishments include the creation of the 100,000-acre Big Thicket National Preserve and the Lufkin VA Hospital. Madam Speaker, Charles Wilson was a political giant who brought his Texas-sized gusto for democracy and his passion for serving the American people to our Nation's capitol. He will be greatly missed not only by his wife and sister, but by the American people.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a fallen hero of Chicago, police Sgt. Alan Haymaker. Alan was killed in the line of duty Sunday night in a tragic car accident while responding to a burglary call. A husband and father of three, Alan was just 56 years old. Alan was a third generation police officer, but before he was an officer he was a man of the cloth. A graduate of both the Moody Bible Institute and Trinity Evangelical University, he spent the early part of his life as an associate pastor at an evangelical church on the Northwest Side. In 1988, he traded in his robe for a badge, but his faith made him a different kind of police officer. Alan's commitment to his community never wavered for an instant after he changed career paths. He stood out for letting neighborhood meetings run sometimes hours long just so he could hear from everyone in the room. Twelve years ago he was promoted to Sergeant, where he mentored countless young officers ensuring that Chicagoans will benefit from his counsel, service and wisdom for years to come. Today, I offer my deepest sympathy and most profound condolences to the Haymaker family and anyone who ever knew or worked with Alan and grieves his passing. Portage Park and all of us in the 5th district have lost one of our finest. May Sgt. Alan Haymaker rest in peace.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman John Murtha, who passed away on February 8th, 2010. Representative Murtha was an exemplary leader and an American patriot. Born into an Irish-American family, John left college in 1952 to join the Marine Corps. Here he would begin his course in leadership, becoming a Marine Corps drill instructor. His military career not only led him to receive a degree from the University of Pittsburgh, but also placed him on the front lines of service in the Vietnam War. During this time, he was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor device, two Purple Hearts, and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. In 1974 John was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and had an extraordinary 36 year career, obtaining the distinction of Pennsylvania's longest serving Congressman two days before he passed. A fiercely independent-minded public servant, John strived for bipartisan solutions to our nation's struggles. He had no fear of partisan attacks and as the Chairman of the House Appropriations Defense Subcommittee he courageously spoke out against the Iraq War. His fearless calls for the withdrawal of American forces in Iraq, in the face of strong partisan confrontations, earned him the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award. I thank John for his service to our nation. I extend my deepest sympathies to John's wife Joyce, his children Donna Sue, John, and Patrick, and his grandchildren in this difficult time. John was a tremendous public servant who exemplified the spirit of America. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Evan Lysacek on winning an Olympic gold medal in men's figure skating. Evan skated a breathtaking routine in both the short program and free skate to reach the pinnacle of his sport on its greatest stage. All of us in the Chicago area are proud not only of what he has accomplished but also the way he has represented himself, his family, the state of Illinois and all of the United States. Born in Chicago and raised in Naperville, Evan attended Neuqua Valley High School, where he graduated with honors. In Vancouver, he became the first American man to win gold in figure skating since Brian Boitano in 1988. Evan was the U.S. Champion in 2007 and 2008 and World Champion in 2009, but did not skate his best at the 2006 Olympics in Torino, finishing fourth. His story of triumph and redemption is one we can all learn from. I wish Evan the best of luck in his figure skating career and beyond, and am so proud to recognize him today.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Chicago-native Shani Davis on his two speed skating medals at this year's Winter Olympics. Shani defended his 2006 gold medal in the 1000m and skated to a silver medal in the 1500m. He became the first man ever to win consecutive golds in the 1000m. Born on Chicago's South Side, Shani overcame long odds to become the first African American to win an individual winter Olympics medal. His unique and historic story has inspired millions of Americans across the country and led to the founding of D.C. Inner City Excitement, a program that introduces Washington, D.C. youth to the sport of speed skating. It is an honor to recognize his remarkable road to glory and honor his groundbreaking career.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I had the honor of speaking with Chicago Firefighter Annette Nance-Holt and Chicago Police Officer Ronald Holt. On May 10, 2007, their 16-year-old son Blair was shot and killed when a gang member opened fire on a crowded city bus. Blair jumped in front of another student to shield her. When the child of two public servants gives his life to save another child from the scourge of gun violence, I have to ask, What are we prepared to do for these kids? Over 500 Chicago public school students were involved in gun incidents over the last 2 years. That is two students for every Member of this House who signed a brief urging the Supreme Court to put even more guns in Chicago's streets and schools. This Congress has allowed unlicensed gun dealers to sell guns at gun shows to people on terrorist watch lists and refuses to reauthorize the assault weapon ban. Congress has failed to hold the middle ground on guns. Blair Holt was willing to take a bullet to protect a stranger. Is it too much to ask this House to take a tough vote to protect our kids?

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extensive and distinguished career of Janice Gould. She has been a teacher and a vital part of the Chicago community for 35 years. Ms. Gould teaches art at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, a school that treats, educates and provides a home to at-risk youth. Using the power of art, she shows her students that great accomplishments are possible. Her former students have participated in and won national art competitions and the Chicago City Clerk vehicle sticker contests. Ms. Gould herself has a long list of special honors and awards. She received the Kohl International Teaching Award, the Golden Apple Teaching Award and the Exceptional Teachers Award, as well as being a member of the National Teachers Hall of Fame. She and her students also started the ``Permanent Children's Art Collection'' for the Illinois State Board of Education, an exhibit designed as a reminder of what special-needs children can accomplish and create when given the ability to blossom. Under Ms. Gould's guidance, troubled youth can transform into self- confident, competent young men and women. When most aspects of their lives have shrouded them in darkness, her art classes provide them the environment to develop their artistic talents and shine. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Janice Gould and her extraordinary career, and thank her for her many outstanding contributions to the City of Chicago and its youth. Her passion and dedication serve as an example for us all.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the success of Northside College Preparatory Academy, recently named number one high school in Illinois based upon its students scoring in the highest average percentile on the Prairie State Achievement Examination. Led by principal Barry P. Rodgers and assistant principal Dr. Margaret E. Murphy, Northside Prep has worked tirelessly since 1999 to help foster student values. The school teaches students that vital leadership skills, critical problem solving skills, a passion to learn, and the ability to balance all these attributes are tantamount to a successful adult life. In addition, Northside Prep helps its students further explore their individual interests and heritages by offering an array of extracurricular clubs that cater to various hobbies, nationalities, and human rights issues. Northside Prep has shown that focusing on developing a well rounded student, can and does improve the education they receive, something evidenced by their recent success on the Reading, Science and Math achievement tests. Madam Speaker, for these reasons, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the important contributions that Northside College Preparatory has made in shaping and educating Chicago's youth, and in enriching the communities surrounding it.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Chicago Chapter of the American Veterans for Equal Rights, AVER, an organization of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces, on the occasion of the City of Chicago's annual Salute to LGBT veterans. Founded in 1992, the Chicago Chapter of AVER provides support to LGBT veterans in the Chicago metropolitan area. Members of AVER have served in every war from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. Each year, AVER members march in Chicago's Memorial Day Parade and in Chicago's Gay Pride Parade. By doing so, AVER members bear witness to the fact that gay and lesbian Americans have served throughout our history to defend the United States in time of war and to preserve our freedoms and democracy. AVER fights not only for LGBT veterans but also for gay and lesbian soldiers currently serving in our Armed Forces, especially those who are in harms way in Iraq and Afghanistan. AVER members travel to Washington every year to lobby members of Congress for an end to the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. For 15 years, AVER has fought against this detrimental policy that requires gay and lesbian service members to deny who they are and to lie about their lives. Our democratic allies--from the United Kingdom to Israel--allow gay and lesbian soldiers to serve openly without any adverse effects on military preparedness or morale. This is the basic fairness and justice that AVER seeks for gay and lesbian American soldiers. Madam Speaker, I also want to recognize Jim Darby, the founder of the Chicago Chapter of AVER and a Korean War veteran. Jim served in the Navy as a Russian-language specialist. Along with all the other AVER members, Jim has fought tirelessly to educate the general public and the Congress about the plight of LGBT veterans and active service members. What AVER seeks is what we should all seek: respect and honor for all those who have served and who are serving the United States of American through our Armed Forces.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, every day families across the country make sacrifices to stay within their household budgets. They know you can't spend what you haven't saved. But for the past decade, Congress has failed to grasp that simple premise. That failure has led to what the President has aptly described as a deficit of trust. It's hard to govern when you don't have the public trust, and it's hard to borrow when you have lost the trust of world markets. During the 1990s, PAYGO forced Members to make hard decisions. However, PAYGO rules were waived in 2001 on the theory that we could pay for two wars with two tax cuts. Today, thanks to years of hard work by the Blue Dogs, we're taking the first step to win back the public trust. Madam Speaker, today I am a Blue Dog.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, this week, the President unveiled his 2011 budget, along with the promise to cut nonsecurity discretionary spending for 3 years. I actively support the President's initiative to rein in spending and to tackle our ever-growing deficit. However, the President and Congress must go further. In order to understand our next steps, we must understand how we got here. Eight years of fiscal irresponsibility, a blatant disregard for pay- as-you-go budgeting, and sky-high tax cuts have left us with a debt that is over 50 percent of GDP. To add insult to injury, we work in a town that thrives on pet projects and individually directed spending. We recklessly spend on defense projects that are intended to keep us safe--the government's number one duty--but actually help make us vulnerable and that are often untested and ineffective. In a March, 2009, GAO report assessing selected weapons programs, researchers estimate that cost overruns totaled nearly $300 billion. GAO continued to recommend that DOD move towards sound, knowledge-based acquisitions. The President should continue on this path toward reform spending by recommending cutting programs like expensive warships, planes, and flawed missile defense systems that don't help in the fight against terror. Congress must also reassert its constitutional right to provide for the common defense by denying money to produce any weapon before it is thoroughly tested. If we are smart with our dollars, we will not only be safer but we will be stronger. We're fighting two wars while simultaneously attempting to reassert our power as a global economic influence. Now is not the time to pick and choose where we cut our spending. Now is the time to reinvent, streamline, and reform the way we do business in Washington. Now is not the time to protect sacred cows. Nothing should be beyond our scrutiny. Now is the time to subject tax expenditures to budget discipline. I agree with the President that we must extend middle class tax cuts, but end the support for those making over $250,000 a year. And we must refocus domestic spending so that our number one priority is job creation. Next month, the Secretary of the Treasury will submit to Congress and the President an audited financial report for the U.S. Government. Similar to those required of publicly traded companies, this report projects our unfunded liabilities, or the present value of future expenditures in excess of future revenues. This report helps us understand the true expense of promising to pay Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid benefits at some future moment, even if no cash is disbursed today. The 2008 report projects our unfunded liabilities at $56 trillion. Our large and growing deficits continue to increase government debt levels as a percentage of GDP to unprecedented and unsustainable heights. The most troublesome and crippling outcome of all, however, is that in this process of unethical and unabashed spending we have lost the public's trust. Without this trust, we simply cannot govern. Tackling this deficit of trust must be our first priority. ``Let's try common sense,'' the President said. ``Let's invest in our people without leaving them a mountain of debt. Let's meet our responsibility to the people who sent us here.'' Our responsibility, then, is to take the more difficult road--the road that includes reform, the road that includes reinventing government, and the road that includes the Members of this House leading by example.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of former Chicago Blackhawk, Pit Martin. Pit was born in Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, played 17 seasons in the NHL, and died in a tragic snowmobile accident two winters ago. He was only 64. Pit is remembered as a hockey player, and for good reason because he was a darned great one. His storied career spanned four teams and 19 years--including 11 seasons with the Chicago Blackhawks. In 740 games, Pit scored 243 goals, dished out 384 assists, and was the ``M'' on the Chicago Stadium's iconic ``MPH'' line with Jim Pappin and Dennis Hull. He was named to four All-Star teams and led the Hawks to two Stanley Cup Finals. But anyone who stood 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 168 pounds in the NHL can never be defined by numbers alone--and so it was with Pit. After the 1969-70 season, he was awarded the Bill Masterson Trophy, exemplifying the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey. He was never the biggest dog in the fight, but during the 1,101 games he suited up for, no one fought harder, worked harder, and did more with less. When Pit passed away, Hall-of-Fame linesman Matt Pavelich summed it up best: ``He was small, but he wasn't timid. I just remember him as a real nice guy.'' The Blackhawk family and the city of Chicago miss him. Let's see if we can finish what he helped start, and bring home a Stanley Cup this year, for Pit, and all of Chicago.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Albany Park Community Center for receiving the League of Women Voters Award for outstanding leadership in voter education. The Center received the award for its dedicated service to increase voter awareness and civic participation in the Albany Park community, a multi-ethnic, working class neighborhood in Chicago. In order to accomplish its goals, the Center held 25 adult education classes that focused on voting, placed bulletin boards with election-related content inside the Center, assisted voters in locating their polling places and understanding their local ballots, registered voters, and participated in the 2008 Mock Election coordinated with the League of Women Voters of Illinois. The Mock Election showed how successful their efforts had been when 318 of the 322 ballots were cast correctly. They succeeded in reaching over 300 students through their adult education classes and successfully registered newly-naturalized citizens and others who had never voted or who let their registration lapse. Many of the students had levels of education or English language skills, and the program catered directly to their needs. As part of the ``Albany Park Votes!'' program, members of the Center went above and beyond their job descriptions, aiding and registering 58 members of the community, most of whom went on to vote in the next election. The program was especially successful in educating the entire community in the civil process, as most of the adult students brought educational materials to their children and encouraged them to vote in the Mock Election, thereby reinforcing the importance of voting and preparing them for when they become eligible voters. In this way, Albany Park Community Center's program will have a long term impact on the community's involvement in the civil process. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Albany Park Community Center for their dedicated efforts to increase voter awareness and civic participation. Their efforts demonstrate how great the democratic process can be.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, thirty-seven years ago this week, the Supreme Court issued its opinion in Roe v. Wade, making abortion legal in the United States. The Court's decision recognized a fundamental, constitutional right to privacy that protects a woman's personal decisions from governmental interference. This landmark decision greatly advanced women's rights, but we must never take those rights for granted. Because as I speak, there are groups bent on taking away those rights. Opponents of women's rights are attempting to hijack the healthcare reform bill, and use it as a vehicle to curtail access to reproductive healthcare. We cannot and will not allow women's reproductive rights to be sacrificed for healthcare reform. Thirty-seven years ago we took a historic step forward for women's reproductive rights. Now we are on the brink of another historic step. But we must ensure that a move forward for healthcare does not result in a step backward for choice--a step backward for Roe v. Wade.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, Isaac Asimov once said, ``If my doctor told me I had only 6 minutes to live, I wouldn't brood. I'd type a little faster.'' For our dear friend and journalist Carlos Hernandez Gomez, it wasn't a matter of if. A year ago he was diagnosed with cancer, and tragically this week, he lost his battle. He was 36 years young. For a year, Carlos never allowed a disease destroying him inside to show outside. He wrote, he reported, he lived. He never brooded. His courageous fight showed his strength as a person and a journalist committed to the ideals of a more responsive and transparent government. There have been countless tributes to Carlos this week, both humorous and tearful, from the interns he graciously mentored at Public Radio to the President of the United States, whom he tenaciously covered when no one outside of Springfield knew his name or how to pronounce it. That's because Carlos treated everyone like a person and made it impossible not to adore him. Whether it was a witty nickname or a spot-on impression of a politician, Carlos brought everyone down to Earth with his disarming sense of humor. He had an encyclopedic memory and an irrepressible hunger to learn. As a political reporter, those came in handy. He could remember names and details from election cycles and court cases as if it happened yesterday. As a person, this was just his nature. He asked his nurses about their families and could recall lyrics to obscure Beatles' songs without missing a beat. His energy was infectious, and his passion for life was unmistakable. To know him was to love him. Carlos attended Quigley Preparatory Seminary--no relation--and then studied philosophy at DePaul University. He once said that if he wasn't a reporter, he would have been a priest. He went on to work Extra News, Los Angeles' La Opinion, the Chicago Reporter, Chicago Public Radio, the Chicago Reader, and most recently, CLTV. With his trademark fedora and thick-rimmed black glasses, he was a throwback to a bygone era of journalism. Carlos had such an insatiable need to cram details, insight, and vivid description into his reports that his producers tried to slow down his quick delivery. While he heeded those words, he would sneak in at the very end of his pieces, seemingly reducing ``Carlos Hernandez Gomez'' to one syllable with a heartwarming Puerto Rican lilt. It was a trademark that became just as recognizable as his hat. His signoff was so familiar that taxi drivers who listened to him loyally on public radio and recognized his distinctive voice would often give him free rides. He was an old-school reporter, and he was a consummate Chicagoan who loved his town like family. He loved the official facets of the job, interviewing officials, pounding the pavement, working the political and court beats he knew so well. But he also knew that he could often get people at their most real on a barstool at the Billy Goat Tavern or over a pastrami sandwich at Manny's Deli. He covered the famous and the infamous, from Mayor Daley to Rod Blagojevich, from mob bosses to George Ryan, the news of whose indictment he was the first to break. He wasn't afraid to criticize the status quo, but he did so with such credibility that even the powers that be, whose feathers he'd ruffled, respected him. He was determined not to dumb down the news. He would rather do a thorough story about a complicated issue than a quick, superficial hit. His commitment to the truth was matched only by his unwavering faith, which he would tell you were one and the same. He also loved Star Wars, Italian beef, the guitar, and his beloved wife, Randi. At the hospital this weekend when someone said that he was leaving us too soon, that 36 years wasn't enough, his brother Jason and his cousin Mark agreed but pointed out that he packed more life into 36 years than many of us could hope to do in twice the time. Today, it is hard to find solace in that revelation. For his family, friends, and all of us who knew Carlos, this is no way to begin 2010. On Sunday night, I heard some news about questionable choices made by a local candidate and smiled. This is exactly the kind of story that Carlos would have loved to cover, to find the truth and report it, meticulously and with panache. Even in death, Carlos Hernandez Gomez will brighten our days, and for that, we tip our fedoras and lift our bowed heads back up. He will be missed.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1008, honoring the contributions of America's Catholic schools. These institutions provide an education that goes beyond simple arithmetic and basic grammar, instilling in children a faith and purpose that continues to serve them long after graduation. Catholic schools thrive on a sense of community and offer children and their neighborhoods high-quality education and a nurturing environment to grow beyond the classroom. This is on display everyday in the 5th District at schools like St. Benedict, Mt. Caramel, Gordon Tech and so many more. With more than two million students across the U.S. attending Catholic schools, their efforts are felt in countless neighborhoods and in the communities they serve. They hold their students to a strict standard of excellence by graduating 99 percent of high school students--a shining example of what our high schools are capable of achieving. Further, Catholic schools' contributions are not limited to those within the Catholic faith. Almost 15 percent of attendees are not Catholic, offering us lessons in diversity and inclusion. These ideals are extended further by minority students comprising almost a third of Catholic schools' student bodies. I want to thank Representative Lipinski for introducing this resolution and urge all my colleagues to support it this afternoon. Catholic schools have and will continue to provide valuable educational experiences for our nation's youth and we must thank them and recognize these institutions for all they do.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lookman Muhammed, a student from Lawrence Hall Youth Services, for winning City Clerk Miguel del Valle's annual city sticker design contest. On December 15th, 2009, Lookman Muhammed won the 15th annual high school art contest. This year's contest theme was ``Burnham's Chicago,'' encouraging students to study the work of architect Daniel Burnham. More than 300 students from grades 9-12, and 39 Chicago high schools entered the art contest. After a panel of honorary judges narrowed the entries down to the top 10 designs, the public voted online and at City Hall computer kiosks. Nearly 17,500 votes were cast by the public to choose this year's winner. Muhammed's artwork will be seen on 1.3 million vehicle stickers beginning in June 2010. He also receives a $1,000 savings bond to help with his continuing education. In addition, Muhammed, along with all the finalists, will receive an honorary resolution at a January awards ceremony with City Clerk Miguel del Valle in City Hall. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Lookman Muhammed for winning City Clerk Miguel del Valle's 15th annual city sticker design contest, and thank him for participating in the contest and contributing to the City of Chicago.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. I appreciate the remarks from the gentleman from Pennsylvania, and it bears truth that Philly fans and Cub fans can unite on common goals. Madam Speaker, earlier this year, the House passed the No Child Left Inside Act, a bill and an initiative I support wholeheartedly. This past summer, following our congressional footsteps, the Illinois General Assembly proclaimed June ``No Child Left Inside Month.'' The Chicago Wilderness, a network of over 240 organizations statewide, makes giant strides to promote this initiative. The organization works to get more children outside, and it increases the amount and quality of the time they spend there. Children who grow up with an understanding of the land, air and water surrounding them grow into environmentally conscious adults, and it makes them more physically fit. These individuals are people who are actively involved in efforts to clean, restore, and preserve our precious resources. The Chicago Wilderness knows this, and it works hard to better the lives and communities of everyone in the Chicago-land area. The Chicago Wilderness should be commended and recognized for their efforts to promote environmental literacy and healthy living. I urge you to join me in support of this resolution on the House floor today. As it is my first resolution, I wish to thank my staff for their efforts.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of Dr. Sheldon Rubin. This year, Dr. Rubin is retiring from the veterinary profession after over four decades of caring for and treating the animals of Chicagoland. Dr. Rubin graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in 1968, and from there his career accelerated rapidly. He is a member of a vast number of respected professional organizations, including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association and the Lincoln Park Zoo Medical Advisory Board. He has served as president of the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association and is currently in that same position for the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association and the American Heartworm Association. Shelly has also shown his dedication to his field through his membership in the Illinois Academy of Veterinary Medicine, an organization that requires 100 hours of continuing education a year. His endless pursuit to be on the forefront of veterinary medicine has earned him a myriad of prestigious awards, including the American Animal Association's Practitioner of the Year Award and a Lifetime Achievement Merit Award from the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. In addition to his numerous chairman positions and his Chief of Staff Emeritus at Blum Animal Hospital, Dr. Rubin often appears on local and national radio and television programs to promote responsible pet ownership and help teach Americans how to provide the best care for the fuzzy, furry, feathery and scaly members of our families. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Sheldon Rubin and his extraordinary career and thank him for his many outstanding contributions to veterinary medicine.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, despite its claims of pursuing only a peaceful nuclear program, Iran's actions clearly show that it's developing a nuclear bomb. You only need three elements to create a bomb: material, a delivery system, and a warhead. Iran has or almost has all three of these elements. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Tehran has developed 1\3/4\ tons of low-enriched uranium, enough to make two bombs. As for a delivery system, we know Iran has missiles and in May, tested a new long-range missile that can reach Israel, our other allies, and our troops in the region. Regarding a warhead, the IAEA has evidence that Iran is working on fitting a bomb inside a missile cone. And this week it was reported that Iran has a plan to test a neutron initiator, a component that is used only to trigger a nuclear bomb and has no possible civilian applications. As we stand here debating, Iran is making a nuclear bomb. The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act will send a signal to Tehran that we will not stand by silently while they develop a nuclear weapon and threaten the entire region.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, coal miners used to keep a canary with them to let them know when the air was getting dangerous. Today, we have much more sophisticated measurements, but the concept is still the same: The canary is dying. Over 200 peer-reviewed studies have concluded that global warming is real and potentially catastrophic. No scientific peer-reviewed studies have found the opposite. None. But some of my colleagues have seized on a few illegally hacked e-mails to convince themselves that the little bird is fine. Well, that must be comforting, except it ignores the nasty case of asthma from increased emissions and the tiny bits of soot that thicken the canary's blood and boost harmful inflammation. Watching my colleagues hold the canary like Monty Python's dead parrot would be funny if it were just an imaginary bird, but it's not a canary we're killing with increased emissions. It's our children. And that's the way it will always be.

Mr. QUIGLEY

Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of this measure, which includes two important proposals that I wrote and worked with the Financial Services Committee to include. The first one ensures that regulators can do their jobs and regulate effectively for systemic risk. Under current law, regulators are not best equipped to prevent systemically risky behavior because their focus is on individual firms, not on the system as a whole. My second measure that is included in the manager's amendment came from a constituent request and is strongly supported by groups like the AFL-CIO, the NAACP, and the National Fair Housing Alliance. It simply says that if your loan modification is denied, you deserve to know why. It makes the loan modification program more transparent by giving homeowners the ability to verify their mortgage servicer's net present value analysis. If the servicer used an incorrect credit score, or misstated income, or made any number of mistakes, then you might be improperly denied loan modification. I urge my colleagues to support this measure which includes both of these proposals.